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(1941-2026)
Sister Joan Krajewski, formerly known as Sister Marie Kilian, died on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 85 years of age and in the 66th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. Sister Joan was born in Highland Park, Michigan, to Walter and Genevieve (Ringvelski) Krajewski. She graduated from Dominican High School in Detroit and received a bachelor’s degree in history from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and a master’s degree in institutional administration from the University of Notre Dame, in Notre Dame, Indiana. Sister ministered for 36 years in elementary and secondary education in Mundelein, Chicago, Oak Lawn, and Wilmette, Illinois. This includes more than 22 years of teaching at Regina Dominican High School, a legacy institution of the Congregation, in Wilmette. She also served for six years as an administrator for the Adrian Dominican Retirement Program in Adrian and then in Hometown, Illinois. Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2008. Sister Joan was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Daniel. She is survived by other loving family members, friends, and her Adrian Dominican Sisters. Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery.
Those not attending the upcoming services in person are welcome to participate via livestream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.
Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Services, Adrian.
Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)
Note: To view recordings with closed captioning, they must be viewed on our public video library rather than through the links below.
Recording of Sister Joan's Vigil Service - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)
Recording of Sister Joan's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)
LEFT: Walter and his daughter Joan, with Penny, 1943. MIDDLE LEFT: Joan at 3 years old. MIDDLE RIGHT: First holy Communion, 1949. RIGHT: 1959 graduate of Dominican High School, Detroit.
LEFT: Entrance Day, 1959. MIDDLE: Sister Marie Kilian at St. Mary Star of the Sea School in Chicago, where she taught from 1963 to 1967. RIGHT: Sister Marie Kilian with her parents, Genevieve and Walter, and her brother Dan on Reception Day, 1959.
LEFT: From left, Sisters Pauline Opliger, Joan Krajewski, and Marion O’Connor enjoy a special event sponsored by Regina Dominican High School. MIDDLE: Sister Joan Krajewski and Regina Dominican High School students attend a pep rally in 2004. RIGHT: Sister Joan Krajewski responds with joy when she wins a raffle prize at a Regina Dominican high school event.
Members of the 2019 Diamond Jubilee Crowd are: back row from left: Sisters Rosemarie Kieffer, Peter Anthony Schulte, Christa Marsik, Sean Eileen Allgeyer, Sarah Ann Sharkey, Jo Ann Jauquet, and Helen Wilson; middle row from left, Sisters Mary Diane McMeekin, Susan Van Baalen, Beverly Bobola, Jean Keeley, Rosemary Zuccaro, and Joan Marie Weithman; and front row from left, Sisters Joan Krajewski, Mary Emidio Singer, Mary Jean Clemenger, Patricia Janowicz, Delores DeBets, Joan Christine Meerschaert, and Donna Markham (Prioress).
Leave your comments and remembrances – if you don't see the comment box below, click on the "Read More" link.
Sister Joan was truly one of the finest teachers I ever had. She opened every class reminding us that Regina girls are "the cream, and cream rises to the top" - and she'd follow it with stories or quotes that pushed us to rethink how we saw ourselves, our opportunities, and the world around us. I'm so grateful for her example and her leadership. May she rest in peace.
I had Sister Joan when I was a sophomore at Regina in American Studies class. She was fair, kind, curious and inspirational. When I started teaching at Regina in 2016, she was for many years my advisory class’s Adrian pen pal! I loved receiving her letters to my students! She was just as funny and wise as I’d remembered.
Sr. Joan was one of the best parts of my 4 years at Regina Dominican High School. Her joy was contagious, her enthusiasm was inspiring, and her belief in her students was steadfast. She was a bright spot in every day, and she led and taught with kindness and genuine affection for her students. We always knew we had someone in our corner when we had Sr. Joan in our schedule. She lived a meaningful life, and she will remain in my heart and mind. Her impact has lasted for more than 30 years in my life, and I'm sure it will last for years to come. Hers was a life well-lived.
My deepest condolences to the whole Regina community. Sister Joan was one of a kind; full of life, joy, positivity, and understanding. Carpe Diem in heaven, Sister. You will be very missed.
SJK -You were a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend. All of us were incredibly lucky to have you help shape our young lives into the ladies we are today. Thank you for everything.May God hold you in the palm of His hand.My sincerest condolences to the Adrian Dominican Sister community. With love and respect,Jill RDHS '88
Sr. Joan!! So many of my high school memories at Regina involve you! My freshman year of high school you were our Spirit Squad Moderator and I was one of 3 freshman on the varsity team and you LOVED the newbies!! You taught me a life lesson I continue to quote “if a boy can do it, a girl can do it better” which I took to heart and joined the Chicago Police Department in 2007 to give back to the community through service. My girls are now attending Regina (one is a Junior and the other is in 8th grade taking math there) and I pointed out your room where I wrote on the dry erase board with permanent marker - Juniors Rule and Freshman Drool. You taught me another important lesson in “Goo be gone.” You inspired and taught so many. You have left lasting impressions in so many young women. Thank you!! Rest easy. Lotsa love, Casey O’Neill class of 1999.
Carpe Diem! She was one of the most amazing teachers that I ever had. She cared for her students and loved teaching. I feel truly blessed to have known her ❤️
Our Adrian Dominican cemetery with its circular headstones is a beautiful place of rest for women who gave their lives in service to God — and a peaceful place for contemplation and remembrance.
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